Ca’ De Le Colonne – Luxury Grand Canal View

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling upon Ca’ De Le Colonne after a long vaporetto ride from the airport – you know, the kind where you’re wedged between tourists and their suitcases, the salty spray from the lagoon hitting your face. It’s tucked away in Cannaregio, right at 1574 on the Fondamenta di Cannaregio, which is basically the main drag but without the overwhelming crowds of San Marco. Honestly, arriving on foot from Santa Lucia station was a breeze; it’s maybe a 10-minute walk over that first bridge, dodging the occasional delivery cart loaded with fresh produce for the local markets. The building itself is one of those classic Venetian palazzos – think faded pink stucco and wrought-iron balconies that have seen centuries – and stepping inside felt like walking into a well-loved family home rather than some sterile hotel lobby. The check-in was quick, with this chatty older guy at the desk who threw in tips about avoiding the tourist traps on Strada Nova (go for the cicchetti bars off the beaten path instead, he said). There was this faint scent of espresso lingering from the breakfast area, and the wooden floors creaked just enough to remind you you’re in a place with real history, not some modern build.

What really sold me was the room – I mean, that Grand Canal view is no joke. Mine overlooked the water straight on, with gondolas gliding by at dusk and the occasional hum of a water taxi breaking the quiet. It’s luxurious in that understated Venetian way: high ceilings with exposed beams, plush bedding that actually feels like it was chosen for comfort, not just show, and a bathroom with those marble sinks that echo when you turn on the tap. (Pro tip: ask for a canal-facing room if you can – the street-side ones might pick up some morning noise from the nearby fish market on Rio Terà San Leonardo.) Breakfast was solid – fresh pastries, decent cappuccino, though nothing groundbreaking; I ended up wandering out to a little bakery on Campo del Ghetto Nuovo for better cornetti. The neighborhood’s a gem, especially if you’re into that authentic Venice vibe – it’s got the Jewish Ghetto just a short stroll away, with its quiet synagogues and kosher spots that locals actually frequent. And parking? Forget it, this is Venice; leave the car at Piazzale Roma and embrace the walking (or boating) life. It gets busy in high season, like July when the canals are packed, but early mornings are blissfully calm, with just the lapping water and church bells.

All in all, if you’re after a four-star spot that feels genuinely Venetian without the over-the-top glitz – well, this is it. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the older wings, and rooms are on the cozy side, as you’d expect in a historic building. But waking up to that canal view, sipping coffee on the balcony while watching the city wake up? Priceless. I’d recommend it for couples or solo travelers who want to dip into the real Cannaregio scene – skip the mega-hotels and stay here if you value that personal touch. Trust me, after a few days, you’ll feel like you’ve got your own little corner of La Serenissima.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $429. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 – 4 guests

Reviews

• Oliver from Australia – 28 January 2025 (8/10)

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Facilities